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Kelly Burns is passionately committed. As the State Lead Advocate representing the Pine Tree State, Kelly is devoted to advancing the fight against brain tumors. As a community event organizer, she single-handedly stages an annual 5K race near her home in rural Maine, which is already on track to beat it’s 2016 goal of raising $10,000 for mission critical NBTS programs. And as a caregiver and family member, Kelly is motivated in all she does by the memory of her father, Bob Burns, who passed away in 2006 after battling a brain tumor. In Kelly’s own words, after the devastating experience of losing her dad, she took a page out of his book, “wanting to live like my dad lived his life, making a difference, living every single day with a purpose.”

Kelly and her dad

The Bob Burns Memorial 5K race in Vassalboro is as much community celebration as it is a cathartic reckoning with the loss of her dad. And it is growing, driven by Kelly’s hard work, passion, and effervescence. Now entering its third year, the Bob Burns Memorial 5K is moving from Kelly’s house to a local YMCA, and is the only event in Maine that raises funding and awareness for brain tumors.

To quote Kelly: “you can’t fund something you have no awareness about.” That is why she got involved and stays engaged with the National Brain Tumor Society. Through NBTS, Kelly has a platform and a partner for achieving her ultimate goal of “finishing my dad’s fight.”

Thanks to Kelly, and the thousands like her, for all that she does to advance this cause; through the power of collective action, together we are making a difference. Watch Kelly’s inspiring video about her personal story here, or visit her Facebook page, Kelly’s Cause for Brain Tumors, to learn more about the Bob Burns Memorial 5K and Kelly’s good work.